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WSSC Officials Backwide Reforms in Local Oversight, Planning and Customer Protections
Summary
WSSC Water testified in favor of broad oversight and operational reforms proposed in House Bill 11 95, including long-range financial planning, improved high-bill processes and additional public reporting.
House Bill 11 95, a multi-part local bill affecting the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), was presented and discussed March 6 in the House Environment and Transportation Committee. WSSC officials said they support many of the bill's provisions and are working with committee staff on technical language.
Keisha Powell, general manager of WSSC Water, said the utility is focused on improving service delivery, operational efficiency, customer affordability and financial performance. Powell told the committee WSSC has engaged an independent financial advisor and completed preliminary reviews on asset management and capital planning.
Key provisions in the bill include requirements for: - A five-year comprehensive financial and capital planning process and independent financial review; - Improved public reporting and online posting of specified WSSC materials and reports; - A study of governance issues and reforms requested by the General Assembly; and - Enhanced reporting and review of the utility's high-bill complaints and customer-notification procedures (agencies said more timely detection of elevated consumption is needed).
Powell said WSSC has already begun work on several items named in the bill and welcomed the committee's review. "We welcome and will support the review of the commission's operations and practices," she said, and added WSSC will share required reports and publish them online where appropriate.
Commission and inspector-general representatives attended the hearing and offered to answer technical questions. Lawmakers said they expect to continue negotiations on ad-valorem tax language, fixed-period billing, and a small number of jurisdiction-specific items (including provisions related to a WSSC-owned horse farm in Montgomery County that may be repurposed). No committee vote was taken at the hearing.
Supporters framed the bill as oversight and transparency improvements rather than operational micromanagement, and WSSC representatives indicated openness to technical amendments and ongoing collaboration with the General Assembly.
